Just what the tournament needs; another dubious penalty in the opening
minutes and I'm starting to hate this World Cup; and the words from Platini: 'The World
Cup needs Italy', and with that I suppose he means France too.

The World Cup needs courageous referees.

Djorkaeff converted the spot kick in the thirteenth minute; unlucky
for Denmark.

Another cock-up penalty decision, this time for Denmark; two players
tumble over each other half a mile from the ball, goal Michael Laudrup.

Don't referees understand the importance of these games. Heaven forbid
that the final will be decided by who has a player sent off first or some other absurd
interpretation of Blatter's statement. Has Blatter ever played football?

Half-time: (1:1)

A real goal in the 52nd minute, after a free-for all in the box fell
towards the outside of the area; for Emmanuel Petit to strike past Schmeichel.

The Thai referee had been one of the better officials of the
tournament, on his earlier showing, but he fell for a Paraguay dive and roly poly; the
yellow card should have gone to the actor rather than the Nigerian.

Half-time: (1:1).

Benitez added another goal for Paraguay, in the 58th minute; receiving
a square ball and powering it in under the bar, from the edge of the semi-circle.

Cardozo ended any hopes Spain had for another Nigeria equalizer and
Chilavert celebrated Paraguay's progress to the Second Round, with a summersault at the
other end.